Definition
打气 is a separable verb (离合词) with two main senses: literally 'to pump up' (a tire, balloon, etc.) and figuratively 'to encourage, boost morale'. The verb 打 and the object 气 can split — you can insert a result complement (e.g., 打足了气 'pump full'), a measure word, or a duration between them. Both senses appear in everyday speech.
v.o.
(literal) to pump upinflate (a tire, balloon, etc.)(figurative) to encourageboost moralecheer on
Examples
- 打气。Zhège dǎqìtǒng kěyǐ yòng lái gěi lánqiú dǎ qì.This pump can be used to inflate basketballs.
- ，，打气。Kǎoshì qián, lǎoshī zǒng shì gǔlì wǒmen, gěi wǒmen dǎ qì.Before exams, the teacher always encourages us and boosts our morale.
- ，。Tā gěi chētāi dǎ zú le qì, ránhòu chūfā le.He pumped up the tires fully and then set off.
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